Why Almost Heaven Barrel Saunas?
Almost Heaven Saunas has been in business for over 40 years and built a strong legacy rooted in quality and tradition. Saunas are handcrafted in West Virginia's Greenbrier Valley, with a blend of USA-sourced materials and a nod to Finnish heritage.
By collaborating with Harvia, a trusted Finnish heater manufacturer, Almost Heaven ensures each sauna is equipped with authentic Harvia heaters for a true Finnish-style experience.
Alongside Almost Heaven cabin-style saunas, the barrel sauna is one of Almost Heaven’s signature products, chosen for its shape, aesthetics, and size advantages.
What are the Design benefits of Barrel Saunas?
As well as arguably being the most photogenic sauna style out there, barrel saunas are highly functional in design.
- Natural Air Circulation
The cylindrical design of barrel saunas encourages natural airflow, allowing warm air to circulate efficiently from top to bottom. This eliminates temperature disparities found in cabin-style saunas, ensuring even heat distribution for the whole body. Hot air doesn't get trapped in unused corners, so users experience consistent warmth from head to toe.
- Efficient Heating
A barrel sauna has 23% less space to heat than a cabin-style sauna of the same size. Due to the lack of unused corners, barrel saunas heat up faster and require less energy to maintain ideal temperatures than square-shaped or cabin saunas. The curvature also reduces internal air volume, helping the heater to quickly raise and sustain high temperatures. This makes the barrel shape particularly suitable for maximizing heat efficiency, saving both time and energy costs.
- Ventilation and Durability
Almost Heaven Barrel Saunas feature plastic rotocast cradles, creating a protective barrier between the lumber and bare ground. Elevated on a cradle rather than lying flat on the ground, the saunas benefit from increased airflow beneath the structure, keeping the wood dry and preventing moisture buildup.
Almost Heaven is the only manufacturer in the world offering this feature, which significantly enhances the sauna's durability and prevents moisture-related decay.
How do Barrel Saunas Differ from Traditional Saunas?
Barrel saunas differ from traditional saunas primarily due to their unique shape and structure. Their curved, cylindrical design makes barrel saunas easier to assemble and relocate compared to larger, cabin-style saunas. Their compact footprint also allows them to be placed in tighter spaces, making them suitable for a wider range of locations.
The barrel shape promotes efficient airflow and heat distribution, which helps these saunas heat up quickly. As a result, you can reach ideal temperatures faster and begin enjoying their sauna sessions sooner.
The design's natural airflow also ensures consistent warmth throughout, making it ideal for those seeking an evenly heated and energy-efficient sauna experience.
What Materials Are Almost Heaven Barrel Saunas Made From?
Almost Heaven Barrel Saunas are crafted primarily from Western red cedar, a wood known for its durability, natural resistance to decay, and excellent insulation properties. The cedar emits a pleasant aroma, giving you an authentic sauna experience. To complement the cedar structure, the saunas feature stainless steel hardware, which is resistant to rust and corrosion. This ensures that the sauna maintains its appearance and structural integrity over time.
The combination of quality wood and rust-resistant materials results in a reliable, high-quality sauna that can endure varying weather conditions.
What are the Health Benefits of a Barrel Sauna?
Saunas deliver a range of physical and mental health benefits, including improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and lowered blood pressure. The deep, cleansing sweat from heat therapy hydrates the skin and supports detoxification.
Studies done on sauna users show that a sauna session has a similar effect on the body as moderate to intense exercise! Combining physiological and mental benefits, even if you’re struggling with an injury, a sauna can help speed up recovery physically and mentally.
Where Can I Place my Barrel Sauna?
Almost Heaven barrel saunas are designed with the outdoors in mind. The barrel shape sheds snow and water, and the lumber is weather-resistant, making them ideal for use anywhere in the USA.
Barrel Saunas work equally well indoors and outdoors. Some customers place their barrel saunas in home gyms, basements, or even dedicated wellness spaces, creating at-home retreats in a range of settings.
Do I need a Roof with my Almost Heaven Barrel Sauna?
People add roofs to their barrel saunas primarily for extra protection against weather elements, which can extend the life of the sauna.
A roof can prevent rain, snow, and debris from accumulating on the sauna surface, helping maintain the wood's condition and appearance. Additionally, roofs offer extra insulation, ensuring the sauna retains heat better and conserves energy, especially in colder climates.
The materials used for sauna roofs are typically durable and weather-resistant. Popular choices include metal sheets like galvanized steel or aluminum, asphalt shingles, and sometimes cedar or other wooden shingles for aesthetic consistency with the barrel design.
Almost Heaven barrel saunas don't typically come with a separate roof, but adding one can provide significant benefits. A roof provides an additional layer of insulation, keeping heat inside the sauna and reducing the energy required for reheating.
What Customizations Should I Consider?
Your sauna should reflect how you envision using it. Almost Heaven Barrel Saunas can be tailored to your preferences in several ways:
- Heater Type
One of the most crucial customizations is choosing the right heater type. Opting for an electric or wood-burning heater influences the sauna experience. Electric heaters provide ease of use and quick heating while wood-burning heaters offer a traditional ambiance and rustic charm.
- Windows and Doors
Adding windows is another customization option that can significantly enhance the sauna experience. Windows allow natural light to illuminate the interior and connect users to their surroundings, making the sauna feel more open.
A port window adds to the cozy aesthetic of your Almost Heaven Barrel Sauna, while a vista window makes sure you don’t miss out on the view. Door configurations include full and half glass, depending on the level of privacy and light you prefer.
- Sauna Porche or Changing Room
A porch provides a space to cool down and relax before or after a session, while a changing room offers privacy and storage space for clothing, refreshments, and towels.
What Size Barrel Sauna is Right for Me?
Choosing the right size barrel sauna depends on a few key factors. First, consider the available outdoor space for installation, ensuring there's enough room not just for the sauna itself but also for easy access and ventilation.
If you regularly share your sauna experience with friends or family, a larger model that can comfortably accommodate 4-6 people might be the best choice. The Almost Heaven Huntington 4-6 Person Canopy Barrel Sauna provides ample space for friends and family to enjoy therapeutic sauna sessions together.
An Almost Heaven 2-person barrel sauna like the Audra is ideal for personal relaxation. Its compact size makes it easier to fit into limited spaces. It is more energy-efficient, making it a smart option for those seeking an efficient, quick heating sauna experience.
How Easy Are Almost Heaven Barrel Saunas to Assemble?
You might wonder if an Almost Heaven Barrel Sauna is challenging to assemble, but most people find it straightforward. The sauna assembly process is designed to be user-friendly, and with just two people, even those with limited DIY experience can set it up in a few hours.
Are Almost Heaven Barrel Saunas Comfortable to Sit In?
Almost Heaven Barrel Saunas are designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. The spacious interior provides ample room for individuals to stretch out, while the curved design creates a cozy atmosphere.
The benches are arranged to offer maximum seating capacity without compromising comfort, allowing you to enjoy the sauna alone or with others. Customization options include choosing different bench configurations, allowing you to tailor the layout to your preferences and needs.
Explore our range of Almost Heaven Barrel Saunas, or discover the unique features of Almost Heaven Saunas. If you have any questions, get in touch—we're here to guide you every step of the way.
